Two people were injured after a crash along East Wellington Rd. at Bowen Rd. on Wednesday afternoon. Witnesses say a speeding vehicle failed to stop in time at the lights. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

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Two people hospitalized, one arrested after central Nanaimo crash

Jun 12, 2024 | 2:59 PM

NANAIMO — A driver believed to be speeding and impaired has allegedly caused a multi-vehicle incident on East Wellington Rd.

Emergency services were called to the East Wellington Rd. and Bowen Rd. intersection on Wednesday, June 12 after 1 p.m. where witnesses said a speeding vehicle travelling along East Wellington Rd. towards the intersection failed to stop in time.

Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW four vehicles were involved, including two white sedans, a dark station wagon and a taxi cab.

“The suspect driver [of one of the white sedans] who’s believed to have caused the accident fled on foot, he left his injured passenger in the car. The driver was witnessed running by two civilians who then assisted our members as to where this person went.”

O’Brien said police officers found the man hiding behind a house just north of the intersection and after “a short scuffle”, took him into custody.

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The driver was taken to hospital for minor injuries, while his passenger suffered more significant injuries as a result of the crash.

Witnesses believed the passenger may not have been wearing a seatbelt and their head came in contact with the windshield.

An impact on the windshield of one vehicle is believed to be caused by the passenger in the car. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Traffic on Bowen Rd. was able to travel through the intersection and around the scene, however police expanded their investigation zone to include a roughly 75-metre section of East Wellington Rd. before the intersection.

Fresh skid marks approximately 100 metres long from tires were visible leading to the crash.

O’Brien said the investigation is continuing.

“Alcohol and speed are also believed to be contributing factors and we’re looking for any additional witnesses who didn’t remain. Any eyewitnesses or dashcam video would be essential.”

He also praised the efforts of onlookers who saw the driver of the suspect vehicle run away from the crash which occurred next to two gas stations and an elementary school.

“Bowen Rd.’s one of the heaviest used roads in Nanaimo. A big shout out to the civilians who kept an eye on this person, they did not go hands-on but their eyewitness evidence was key in assisting our members in finding that person in a timely manner.”

Anyone with information on the crash is asked to contact Nanaimo RCMP at 250 754 2345.

Nanaimo RCMP expanded their investigation zone to include a 50 to 100 metre stretch of East Wellington Rd. which contained fresh tire tracks, indicating the vehicle had tried to stop. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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